§ Mr. Wrayasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many National Health Service hospital wards closed either permanently or temporarily in Scotland during 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986;
(2) how many National Health Service hospital wards have been closed in Scotland, for each year since 1975, either temporarily or permanently due to (a) shortage of medical staff, (b) shortage of deficient equipment, or (c) lack of funds.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythOperational management of hospitals is a matter for individual health boards. Whilst from time to time we become aware of temporary bed or ward closures which may occur for a variety of reasons, there is no central record which is either comprehensive or detailed.